By Bryn Gingrich and Ruth Ann Hendrickson
This spring, the LLCT (Lincoln Land Conservation Trust) and the Water Department are offering wholesale rain barrels through the Great American Rain Barrel Company. Through this community purchasing program, they can offer the barrels at wholesale prices, saving nearly $50 for each barrel and $15–$20 per diverter. (Other diverter styles can be purchase independently of this program; contact Ruth Ann Hendrickson at raandbob@earthlink.net for recommendations.)
Using rain barrels to water gardens reduces the strain on Lincoln’s drinking water supply and saves you money. During a rainstorm, roofs can collect enormous quantities of water. A quarter-inch of rain on a 25 x 25 ft. peaked-roof garage draining to a gutter downspout or “rain chain” generates 45 gallons. Multiple barrels can be linked together to provide more storage. The barrels on offer are repurposed shipping drums that will last for years when properly drained and stored for winter.
Lincoln continues to draw more water from the Charles River watershed than allowed by our state permit. Moreover, as we see continued drought in the region, water conservation remains a critical collective responsibility. Most summers and into fall, Lincoln residents have seen restrictions on outdoor water use to protect watershed levels. Private well owners draw from the same aquifer and are advised to curtail use also.
Purchase a rain barrel through this program to be automatically entered into a raffle for a $100 gift card to Something Special in Lincoln, provided by the Lincoln Water Department. The winner will be randomly selected after orders close on April 30.
Click here for more information about rain barrels and water conservation.
Pollinator planting kits are available to 2021 LLCT members only (join now!). These plants were all selected for their high value to native pollinators, including at-risk bumblebees and many species of butterflies. The plants are offered at wholesale prices, with a small fee incorporated to support planting efforts on conservation land.
Shop now for rain barrels and plants. Advance orders are required by Friday, April 30. Pickup is on May 22 from 8–11 a..m. at the DPW on Lewis Street.
Gingrich is outreach director for the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Hendrickson is a member of the Water Commission.
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